Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC 001932

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Conservation Objectives Series

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC 001932

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National Parks and Wildlife Service,

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht,

7 Ely Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Web: www.npws.ie

E-mail: [email protected]

Citation:

ISSN 2009-4086

Series Editor: Rebecca Jeffrey

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Introduction

European and national legislation places a collective obligation on Ireland and its citizens

to maintain habitats and species in the Natura 2000 network at favourable conservation

condition. The Government and its agencies are responsible for the implementation and

enforcement of regulations that will ensure the ecological integrity of these sites.

A site-specific conservation objective aims to define favourable conservation condition for

a particular habitat or species at that site.

Favourable conservation status of a habitat is achieved when:

• its natural range, and area it covers within that range, are stable or increasing, and

• the specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance

exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future, and

• the conservation status of its typical species is favourable.

The favourable conservation status of a species is achieved when:

• population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself

on a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats, and

• the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for

the foreseeable future, and

• there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain its

populations on a long-term basis.

The overall aim of the Habitats Directive is to maintain or restore the favourable

conservation status of habitats and species of community interest. These habitats and

species are listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives and Special Areas of Conservation

and Special Protection Areas are designated to afford protection to the most vulnerable

of them. These two designations are collectively known as the Natura 2000 network.

The maintenance of habitats and species within Natura 2000 sites at favourable

conservation condition will contribute to the overall maintenance of favourable

conservation status of those habitats and species at a national level.

1. The targets given in these conservation objectives are based on best available

information at the time of writing. As more information becomes available, targets for

attributes may change. These will be updated periodically, as necessary.

2. An appropriate assessment based on these conservation objectives will remain valid

even if the targets are subsequently updated, providing they were the most recent

objectives available when the assessment was carried out. It is essential that the date and

version are included when objectives are cited.

3. Assessments cannot consider an attribute in isolation from the others listed for that

habitat or species, or for other habitats and species listed for that site. A plan or project

with an apparently small impact on one attribute may have a significant impact on

another.

4. Please note that the maps included in this document do not necessarily show the

entire extent of the habitats and species for which the site is listed. This should be borne

in mind when appropriate assessments are being carried out.

5. When using these objectives, it is essential that the relevant backing/supporting

documents are consulted, particularly where instructed in the targets or notes for a

particular attribute.

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Qualifying Interests

Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC

* indicates a priority habitat under the Habitats Directive

001932

1013

Geyer's Whorl Snail Vertigo geyeri

1014

Narrow-mouthed Whorl Snail Vertigo angustior

1029

Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera

1106

Salmon Salmo salar

1150

Coastal lagoons

1210

Annual vegetation of drift lines

1330

Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae)

1355

Otter Lutra lutra

1395

Petalwort Petalophyllum ralfsii

1410

Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi)

1833

Slender Naiad Najas flexilis

2110

Embryonic shifting dunes

2120

Shifting dunes along the shoreline with

$PPRSKLODDUHQDULD

(white dunes)

2150

Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea)

2170

Dunes with

6DOL[UHSHQV

ssp.

DUJHQWHD

(Salicion arenariae)

21A0

Machairs (* in Ireland)

3110

Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia

uniflorae)

3130

Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea

uniflorae and/or Isoeto-Nanojuncetea

3160

Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds

3260

Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and

Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation

4010

Northern Atlantic wet heaths with

(ULFDWHWUDOL[

4030

European dry heaths

4060

Alpine and Boreal heaths

5130

-XQLSHUXVFRPPXQLV

formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands

6430

Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine

levels

7130

Blanket bogs (* if active bog)

7140

Transition mires and quaking bogs

7150

Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion

7220

Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion)

7230

Alkaline fens

8110

Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels (Androsacetalia alpinae and

Galeopsietalia ladani)

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Supporting documents, relevant reports & publications

Supporting documents, NPWS reports and publications are available for download from: www.npws.ie/Publications

Year : 1987

Title : The vegetation of Irish rivers

Author : Heuff, H.

Series : Unpublished report to NPWS

Year : 1987

Title : A survey to locate blanket bogs of scientific interest in County Mayo. Part I

Author : Foss, P.; McGee, E.

Series : A report commissioned by the Wildlife Service

Year : 1989

Title : Survey to locate blanket bogs of scientific interest in Mayo. Part II

Author : Douglas, C.; Garvey, L.; Kelly, L.; O'Sullivan, A.; Van Doorsleer, L.

Series : A report commissioned by the Wildlife Service

Year : 1995

Title : Mapping of proposed SAC rivers for Margaritifera margaritifera. A report for the National Parks and Wildlife Service on work carried out from August to October 1995 (in two volumes) Volume 1

Author : Moorkens, E.

Year : 1998

Title : Biomar survey of Irish machair sites 1996

Author : Crawford, I.; Bleasdale, A.; Conaghan, J.

Series : Irish Wildlife Manual No. 3

Year : 1998

Title : Biomar survey of Irish machair sites, 1996. Vol. 2: plant communities

Author : Crawford, I.; Bleasdale, A.; Conaghan, J.

Year : 2002

Title : Najas flexilis in Donegal

Author : Roden, C.M.

Year : 2004

Title : The distribution of Najas flexilis in Ireland 2002-2004

Author : Roden, C.M.

Year : 2005

Title : Monitoring populations of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera. Baseline survey of the Bundorragha River cSAC, County Mayo

Year : 2006

Title : Otter survey of Ireland 2004/2005

Author : Bailey, M.; Rochford, J. Series : Irish Wildlife Manual No. 23

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Year : 2007

Title : Saltmarsh Monitoring Project 2006

Author : McCorry, M.

Year : 2007

Title : Supporting documentation for the Habitats Directive Conservation Status Assessment - backing documents. Article 17 forms and supporting maps

Author : NPWS

Year : 2007

Title : Inventory of Irish coastal lagoons (version 2)

Author : Oliver, G.

Year : 2007

Title : Management prescriptions for Vertigo angustior at cSAC sites for the species in the Republic of Ireland

Year : 2009

Title : Coastal Monitoring Project 2004-2006

Author : Ryle, T.; Murray, A.; Connolly, K.; Swann, M.

Year : 2009

Title : Saltmarsh monitoring project 2007-2008

Author : McCorry, M.; Ryle, T.

Year : 2009

Title : NS II Freshwater pearl mussel sub-basin management plans: fisheries survey. Stage 1 report

Author : Paul Johnston Associates

Year : 2009

Title : NS II Freshwater pearl mussel sub-basin management plans: Monitoring of the freshwater pearl mussel in the Bundorragha

Author : Moorkens, E.A.

Year : 2009

Title : Lichen searches of rivers, loughs, mountains: Cos Wicklow, Sligo, Mayo and Galway. September 2009

Author : Giavarini, V.

Year : 2009

Title : NS II Freshwater pearl mussel sub-basin management plans: Report on biological monitoring of surface water quality in the Bundorragha catchment

Author : Williams, L.

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Title : Second draft Bundorragha freshwater pearl mussel sub-basin management plan (2009-2015). March 2010

Author : NPWS

Series : Unpublished document to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Year : 2011

Title : Monitoring and condition assessment of populations of Vertigo geyeri, Vertigo angustior and

Vertigo moulinsiana in Ireland

Author : Moorkens, E.; Killeen, I. Series : Irish Wildlife Manual No. 55

Year : 2011

Title : Implementation of a Vertigo monitoring programme: Vertigo angustior monitoring at Dooaghtry

Author : Moorkens, E.A.; Killeen, I.J.

Year : 2011

Title : Implementation of a Vertigo monitoring programme: Vertigo geyeri monitoring at Dooaghtry

Author : Moorkens, E.A.; Killeen, I.J.

Year : 2012

Title : The conservation status of juniper formations in Ireland

Author : Cooper, F.; Stone, R.E.; McEvoy, P.; Wilkins, T.; Reid, N.

Year : 2012

Title : Monitoring populations of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera. A condition assessment survey of the freshwater pearl mussel in the Bundorragha River, Co. Mayo

Year : 2012

Title : Ireland Red List No. 8: Bryophytes

Author : Lockhart, N.; Hodgetts, N.; Holyoak, D.

Series : Ireland Red List series, NPWS

Year : 2013

Title : Conservation status assessment for petrifying springs

Author : Lyons, M.D.; Kelly, D.L.

Year : 2013

Title : National otter survey of Ireland 2010/12

Author : Reid, N.; Hayden, B.; Lundy, M.G.; Pietravalle, S.; McDonald, R.A.; Montgomery, W.I.

Year : 2013

Title : Monitoring survey of Annex I sand dune habitats in Ireland

Author : Delaney, A.; Devaney, F.M.; Martin, J.M.; Barron, S.J. Series : Irish Wildlife Manual No. 75

Year : 2013

Title : The status of EU protected habitats and species in Ireland. Volume 2. Habitats assessments

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Year : 2013

Title : The status of EU protected habitats and species in Ireland. Volume 3. Species assessments

Author : NPWS

Series : Conservation assessments

Year : 2014

Title : Guidelines for a national survey and conservation assessment of upland vegetation and habitats in Ireland, Version 2.0

Author : Perrin, P.M.; Barron, S.J.; Roche, J.R.; O’Hanrahan, B. Series : Irish Wildlife Manual No. 79

Year : 2014

Title : Interim Bundorragha condition assessment. Preliminary results from Bundorragha River monitoring work 2014

Year : 2014

Title : Targeted survey of Najas flexilis

Author : Roden, C.; Murphy, P.

Year : 2014

Title : National Survey of Upland Habitats (Phase 1, 2010-2011) Site report no 1: Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex cSAC (001932) Co. Mayo (Revision)

Author : Roche, J.R.; Perrin, P.M.; Barron, S.J.; Daly, O.H.

Year : 2015

Title : Habitats Directive Annex I lake habitats: a working interpretation for the purposes of site-specific conservation objectives and Article 17 reporting

Author : O Connor, Á.

Series : Unpublished document by NPWS

Year : 2015

Title : Monitoring methods for Petalophyllum ralfsii (Wils.) Nees & Gottsche (Petalwort) in the Republic of Ireland

Author : Campbell, C.; Hodgetts, N.; Lockhart, N.

Year : 2016

Title : Monitoring guidelines for the assessment of petrifying springs in Ireland

Author : Lyons, M.D.; Kelly, D.L.

Year : 2016

Title : Ireland Red List No. 10: Vascular Plants

Author : Wyse Jackson, M.; FitzPatrick, Ú.; Cole, E.; Jebb, M.; McFerran, D.; Sheehy Skeffington, M.; Wright, M.

Series : Ireland Red Lists series, NPWS

Year : 2017

Title : Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC (site code: 1932) Conservation objectives supporting objectives supporting document- coastal lagoons V1

Author : NPWS

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Year : 1982

Title : Otter survey of Ireland

Author : Chapman, P.J.; Chapman, L.L.

Series : Unpublished report to Vincent Wildlife Trust

Year : 1982

Title : Eutrophication of waters. Monitoring assessment and control

Author : OECD

Series : OECD, Paris

Year : 1984

Title : Studies on the biology of freshwater mussels (Lamellibranchia: Unionacea) in Ireland

Author : Ross, E.D.

Series : Unpublished MSc Thesis. National University of Ireland, Galway

Year : 1988

Title : The reproductive biology of freshwater mussels in Ireland, with observations on their distribution and demography

Author : Ross, E.D.

Series : Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, National University of Ireland, Galway

Year : 1991

Title : The spatial organization of otters (Lutra lutra) in Shetland

Author : Kruuk, H.; Moorhouse, A.

Series : Journal of Zoology, 224: 41-57

Year : 1993

Title : The non-marine Mollusca of Dooaghtry, Co. Mayo: changes in the fauna since 1910

Author : Tattersfield, P.

Series : Irish Naturalists' Journal, 24: 183-192

Title : Survey and condition assessment of the population of the freshwater mussel Margaritifera

margaritifera in the Bundorragha River, County Mayo

Year : 2017

Title : Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC (site code: 1932) Conservation objectives supporting document- blanket bogs and associated habitats V1

Author : NPWS

Series : Conservation objectives supporting document

Year : 2017

Title : Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC (site code: 1932) Conservation objectives supporting document- coastal habitats V1

Author : NPWS

Year : 2017

Title : Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC (site code: 1932) Conservation objectives supporting document- Najas flexilis V1

Author : NPWS

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Year : 1996

Title : Studies on the biology and ecology of Margaritifera in Ireland

Series : Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Dublin, Trinity College.

Year : 1999

Title : Diet of otters (Lutra lutra) on Inishmore, Aran Islands, west coast of Ireland

Author : Kingston, S.; O'Connell, M.; Fairley, J.S.

Series : Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 99B: 173-182

Year : 2000

Title : Colour in Irish lakes

Author : Free, G.; Allott, N.; Mills, P.; Kennelly, C.; Day, S.

Series : Verhandlungen Internationale Vereinigung für theoretische und angewandte Limnologie, 27: 2620-2623

Year : 2001

Title : Aquatic plants in Britain and Ireland

Author : Preston, C.D.; Croft, J.M.

Series : Harley Books, Colchester

Year : 2002

Title : Deterioration of Atlantic soft water macrophyte communities by acidification, eutrophication and alkalinisation

Author : Arts, G.H.P.

Series : Aquatic Botany, 73: 373-393

Year : 2003

Title : Ecology of watercourses characterised by Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation

Author : Hatton-Ellis, T.W.; Grieve, N.

Series : Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 11. English Nature, Peterborough

Year : 2004

Title : The ecology of Najas flexilis

Author : Wingfield, R.A.; Murphy, K.J.; Hollingsworth, P.; Gaywood, M.J.

Series : Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 017 (ROAME No. F98PA02)

Year : 2004

Title : Non-marine Mollusca: New and notable records for Ireland

Series : Bulletin of the Irish Biogeographical Society, 28: 189-198

Year : 2005

Title : Widespread occurrence of Vertigo geyeri (Gastropoda: Vertiginidae) in north and west Ireland

Author : Holyoak, G.A.

Series : Irish Naturalists’ Journal, 28: 141-150

Year : 2006

Title : Otters - ecology, behaviour and conservation

Author : Kruuk, H.

Series : Oxford University Press

Year : 2006

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Title : The vegetation of Irish machair

Author : Gaynor, K.

Series : Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, vol 106B, No. 3: 311-321

Year : 2006

Title : A reference-based typology and ecological assessment system for Irish lakes. Preliminary investigations. Final report. Project 2000-FS-1-M1 Ecological assessment of lakes pilot study to establish monitoring methodologies EU (WFD)

Author : Free, G.; Little, R.; Tierney, D.; Donnelly, K.; Coroni, R.

Series : EPA, Wexford

Year : 2008

Title : The phytosociology and conservation value of Irish sand dunes

Author : Gaynor, K.

Series : Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, National University of Ireland, Dublin

Year : 2008

Title : Water Quality in Ireland 2004-2006

Author : Clabby, K.J.; Bradley, C.; Craig, M.; Daly, D.; Lucey, J.; McGarrigle, M.; O’Boyle, S.; Tierney, D.; Bowman, J.

Year : 2009

Title : The identification, characterization and conservation value of isoetid lakes in Ireland

Author : Free, G.; Bowman, J.; McGarrigle, M.; Little, R.; Coroni, R.; Donnelly, K.; Tierney, D.; Trodd, W.

Series : Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 19(3): 264–273

Year : 2010

Title : Otter tracking study of Roaringwater Bay

Author : De Jongh, A.; O'Neill, L.

Series : Unpublished draft report to NPWS

Year : 2010

Title : Addressing the conservation and rehabilitation of Margaritifera margaritifera populations in the Republic of Ireland within the framework of the habitats and species directive

Series : Journal of Conchology, 40: 339

Year : 2010

Title : Water quality in Ireland 2007-2009

Author : McGarrigle, M.; Lucey, J.; Ó Cinnéide, M.

Year : 2012

Title : The impact of conifer plantation forestry on the ecology of peatland lakes

Author : Drinan, T.J.

Series : Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University College Cork

Year : 2013

Title : Monitoring and Assessment of Irish Lagoons for the purpose of the EU Water Framework Directive

Author : Roden, C.M.; Oliver, G.

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Year : 2013

Title : Conservation of selected legally protected and Red Listed bryophytes in Ireland

Author : Campbell, C.

Series : Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Trinity College Dublin

Year : 2013

Title : Management strategies for the protection of high status water bodies

Author : Ní Chatháin, B.; Moorkens, E.; Irvine, K.

Series : Strive Report Series No. 99. EPA, Wexford

Year : 2013

Title : Interpretation manual of European Union habitats- Eur 28

Author : European Commission- DG Environment

Series : European Commission

Year : 2014

Title : Assessing near-bed velocity in a recruiting population of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) in Ireland

Author : Moorkens, E.; Killeen, I.

Series : Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 24(6): 853-862

Year : 2014

Title : The impact of rural land management changes on soil hydraulic properties and runoff processes: results from experimental plots in upland UK

Author : Marshall, M.R.; Ballard, C.E.; Frogbrook, Z.L.; Solloway, I.; McIntyre, N.; Reynolds, B.; Wheater, H.S.

Series : Hydrological Processes, 28: 2617-2629

Year : 2015

Title : Water quality in Ireland 2010-2012

Author : Bradley, C.; Byrne, C.; Craig, M.; Free, G.; Gallagher, T.; Kennedy, B.; Little, R.; Lucey, J.; Mannix, A.; McCreesh, P.; McDermott, G.; McGarrigle, M.; Ní Longphuirt, S.; O'Boyle, S.; Plant, C.; Tierney, D.; Trodd, W.; Webster, P.; Wilkes, R.; Wynne, C.

Year : 2015

Title : The flora and conservation status of petrifying springs in Ireland

Author : Lyons, M.D.

Series : Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Trinity College Dublin

Year : 2016

Title : A narrative for conserving freshwater and wetland habitats in England

Author : Mainstone, C.; Hall, R.; Diack, I.

Series : Natural England Research Reports Number 064

Year : 2016

Title : The Status of Irish Salmon Stocks in 2015 with Precautionary Catch Advice for 2016

Author : SSCS (Standing Scientific Committee on Salmon)

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Spatial data sources

Year : Revision 2011

Title : Inventory of Irish Coastal Lagoons. Version 3

GIS Operations : Clipped to SAC boundary

Used For : 1150 (map 3)

Title : Saltmarsh Monitoring Project 2007-2008. Version 1

GIS Operations : QIs selected; clipped to SAC boundary; overlapping regions with Coastal CO data investigated and resolved with expert opinion used

Used For : 1330, 1410 (map 4)

Year : 2013

Title : Sand Dune Monitoring Project 2011. Version 1

GIS Operations : QIs selected; clipped to SAC boundary; overlapping regions with Saltmarsh CO data investigated and resolved with expert opinion used

Used For : 1210, 2110, 2120, 2150, 2170, 21A0 (map 5)

Year : 2008

Title : OSi 1:5000 IG vector dataset

GIS Operations : WaterPolygons feature class clipped to the SAC boundary. Expert opinion used to identify Annex I habitat and to resolve any issues arising

Used For : 3110, 3130, 3160 (map 6)

Year : 2011

Title : National Survey of Upland Habitats

GIS Operations : Habitat dataset for site clipped to SAC boundary. Relevant QI selected and exported to new dataset. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising

Used For : 4010, 4030, 4060, 6430, 7130, 7140, 7150, 7230, 8110, 8210, 8220 (maps 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18)

Year : Derived 2012

Title : Internal NPWS files

GIS Operations : Dataset created from spatial reference contained in files

Used For : 7220 (map 14)

Year : 2017

Title : NPWS rare and threatened species database

GIS Operations : Dataset created from spatial references in database records. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising

Used For : 1013, 1014, 1029, 1395 (maps 19, 20 and 22)

Title : Margaritifera Sensitive Areas data

GIS Operations : Relevant catchment boundary identified. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising

Used For : 1029 (map 20)

Year : 2005

Title : OSi Discovery series vector data

GIS Operations : Creation of 80m buffer on marine side of high water mark (HWM); creation of 10m buffer on terrestrial side of HWM; combination of 80m and 10m HWM buffer datasets; creation of 10m buffer on terrestrial side of river banks data; creation of 20m buffer applied to canal centreline data. These datasets combined with derived EPA WFD Waterbodies data and Coastal Lagoon data for the 1355 CO. Overlapping regions investigated and resolved; resulting dataset clipped to SAC boundary. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising. Creation of 250m buffer on marine side of HWM to highlight potential commuting points

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Year : 2010

Title : EPA WFD Waterbodies data

GIS Operations : Creation of 20m buffer applied to river and stream centreline data; creation of 80m buffer on aquatic side of lake data; creation of 10m buffer on terrestrial side of lake data. These datasets combined with derived OSi data and coastal lagoon data for the 1355 CO. Overlapping regions investigated and resolved; resulting dataset clipped to SAC boundary. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising. Creation of 250m buffer on aquatic side of the lake boundary to highlight potential commuting points

Used For : 1355 (map 21)

Title : Inventory of Irish Coastal Lagoons. Version 3

GIS Operations : Creation of 80m buffer on the aquatic side of lagoon data; creation of 10m buffer on the terrestrial side of lagoon data. These datasets combined with derived OSi data and EPA WFD Waterbodies data for the 1355 CO. Overlapping regions investigated and resolved; resulting dataset clipped to SAC boundary. Expert opinion used as necessary to resolve any issues arising

Used For : 1355 (map 21)

Year : 2013

Title : Najas flexilis data

GIS Operations : Lake habitat for species clipped to SAC boundary

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1150

Coastal lagoons

**To restore the favourable conservation condition of Coastal lagoons* in**

Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes

and targets:

Attribute

Measure

Target

Notes

Habitat area Hectares Area stable, subject to slight natural variation. Favourable reference area: 7.9ha. See map 3

Area calculated from spatial data derived from Oliver (2007) for Corragaun Lough (site code IL071). See the Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC conservation objectives supporting document for coastal lagoons for further details

Habitat distribution

Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes. See map 3 for mapped lagoon

Site code IL071 (Corragaun Lough) in Oliver (2007). See the lagoon supporting document for further details

Salinity regime Practical salinity units (psu)

Annual median salinity and temporal variation within natural ranges

Corragaun Lough is recorded as a mesohaline to euhaline lagoon. See the lagoon supporting document for further details

Hydrological regime

Metres Annual water level fluctuations and minima within natural ranges

The maximum depth of Corragaun Lough is recorded as less than 1m. See the lagoon supporting

document for further details Barrier:

connectivity between lagoon and sea

Permeability Appropriate hydrological connections between lagoon and sea, including where necessary, appropriate management

Corragaun Lough is described as a natural sedimentary lagoon. See the lagoon supporting document for further details

Water quality: Chlorophyll a

ǋg/L Annual median chlorophyll a within natural ranges and less than ǋg/L

Target based on Roden and Oliver (2013). See the lagoon supporting document for further details

Water quality: Molybdate Reactive Phosphorus (MRP)

mg/L Annual median MRP within natural ranges and less than 0.1mg/L

Water quality: Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN)

mg/L Annual median DIN within natural ranges and less than 0.15mg/L

Depth of macrophyte colonisation

Metres Macrophyte colonisation to maximum depth of lagoon

As the lagoon is less than 2m deep, it is expected that macrophyte colonisation would extend to the full depth. See the lagoon supporting document for further details

Typical plant species

Number and m² Maintain number and extent of listed lagoonal specialists, subject to natural variation

Species listed in Oliver (2007). See the lagoon supporting document for further details

Typical animal species

Number Maintain listed lagoonal specialists, subject to natural variation

Species listed in Oliver (2007). See the lagoon supporting document for further details

Negative indicator species

Number and percentage cover

Negative indicator species absent or under control

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Conservation Objectives for : Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC [001932]

1210

Annual vegetation of drift lines

To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Annual vegetation of drift lines in

Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes

and targets:

Attribute

Measure

Target

Notes

Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural

processes including erosion and succession. For the sub-site mapped: Dooaghtry - 0.18ha. See map 5

Based on data from the Sand Dunes Monitoring Project (SDM) (Delaney et al., 2013). Annual vegetation of drift lines was mapped at the sub-site Dooaghtry (SDM site ID: 108) to give a total estimated area of 0.18ha within

Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC. The habitat is very difficult to measure in view of its dynamic nature which means that it can appear and disappear within a site from year to year. See the Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC conservation objectives supporting document for coastal habitats for further details

Occurrence No decline or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes. See map 5 for known distribution

Based on data from Delaney et al. (2013). The greatest area of the annual vegetation of drift lines habitat is found in the southern part of the Dooaghtry sub-site. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details Physical structure:

functionality and sediment supply

Presence/absence of physical barriers

Maintain the natural circulation of sediment and organic matter, without any physical obstructions

Based on data from Delaney et al. (2013). Dunes are naturally dynamic systems that require continuous supply and circulation of sand. Accumulation of organic matter in tidal litter is essential for trapping sand and initiating dune formation. Physical barriers will effect sediment supply at these sites. Coastal defences are present close to the outflow of the Owenadornaun river, but these appear to be longstanding structures. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Vegetation structure: zonation

Occurrence Maintain the range of coastal habitats including transitional zones, subject to natural processes including erosion and succession

Based on data from Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). There are transitional communities between a range of sand dune habitats in the SAC. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation composition: typical species and sub-communities

Percentage cover at a representative number of monitoring stops

Maintain the presence of species-poor communities with typical species: sea rocket (Cakile maritima), sea sandwort (Honckenya peploides), prickly saltwort (Salsola kali) and oraches (Atriplex spp.)

Based on data from Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). Typical species of annual vegetation of drift lines occurring at Dooaghtry includes prickly saltwort (Salsola kali). See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Vegetation composition: negative indicator species

Percentage cover Negative indicator species (including non-native species) to represent less than 5% cover

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1330

Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae)

To restore the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic salt meadows

(Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) in Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC, which is defined by

the following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute

Measure

Target

Notes

processes including erosion and succession. For the sub-sites (Dooaghtry and Aasleagh Falls) and potential areas mapped: 21.2ha. See map 4

Based on data from the Saltmarsh Monitoring Project (SMP) (McCorry, 2007; McCorry and Ryle, 2009). Two sub-sites that support Atlantic salt meadows (ASM) were mapped, Dooaghtry (SMP site ID: SMP0010) - 16.23ha and Aasleagh Falls (SMP site ID: SMP0106) - 0.31ha, and additional areas of potential ASM habitat (4.66ha) were identified from an examination of aerial photographs, giving a total estimated area of 21.2ha within

Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC. NB further unsurveyed areas may be present within the SAC. See the Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC conservation objectives supporting document for coastal habitats for further details

Occurrence No decline or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes. See map 4 for mapped and potential distribution

Based on data from McCorry (2007) and McCorry and Ryle (2009). In the northern section of the Dooaghtry sub-site, which is located on the seaward side of Corragaun Lough, ASM is present on both sides of the entrance/outflow from Corragaun Lough. The southern section of the Dooaghtry sub-site occurs to the south-east of Dooaghtry machair at Trawleckachoolia Bay. ASM occupies only a small proportion of the Aasleagh Falls sub-site and is generally poorly developed with only small fragments present. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details. NB further unsurveyed areas may be present within the SAC Physical structure:

sediment supply

Maintain natural circulation of sediments and organic matter, without any physical obstructions

Based on data from McCorry (2007) and McCorry and Ryle (2009). There have been significant changes to the seaward side of Corragaun Lough and the channel connecting it to the sea. Up to half of the lough (classified as a lagoon) has in-filled by sand accretion. See the coastal habitats supporting document and the conservation objective for coastal lagoons (1150) for further details

Physical structure: creeks and pans

Occurrence Maintain creek and pan structure, subject to natural processes including erosion and succession

Based on data from McCorry (2007) and McCorry and Ryle (2009). In the northern section of the Dooaghtry sub-site, the saltmarsh topography is poorly developed, with few salt pans and creeks. The ASM saltmarsh in the main part of the southern section of the Dooaghtry sub-site has an excellent creek and salt pan structure. The saltmarsh topography of the ASM in the Aasleagh Falls sub-site is poorly developed, which is typical of these small fragments of saltmarsh. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Physical structure: flooding regime

Hectares flooded; frequency

Maintain natural tidal regime

Based on data from McCorry (2007) and McCorry and Ryle (2009). See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Based on data from McCorry (2007) and McCorry and Ryle (2009). The largest area of saltmarsh in the northern section of the Dooaghtry sub-site is part of a large flat coastal plain and there is a gradual transition to machair vegetation

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Vegetation structure: vegetation height

Centimetres Maintain structural variation within sward

Based on data from McCorry (2007) and McCorry and Ryle (2009). The northern section of the Dooaghtry sub-site around the seaward side of Corragaun Lough is badly affected by overgrazing from sheep. The ASM sward height in the Aasleagh Falls sub-site varies between 1-10cm high and is light to moderately grazed overall. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation

structure: vegetation cover

Maintain more than 90% of the area outside of creeks vegetated

Based on data from McCorry (2007) and McCorry and Ryle (2009). The northern section of the Dooaghtry sub-site has undergone damage caused by heavy overgrazing by sheep and by vehicle wheel ruts. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Vegetation composition: typical species and sub-communities

Maintain range of sub-communities with typical species listed in McCorry and Ryle (2009)

Based on data from McCorry (2007) and McCorry and Ryle (2009). In the Dooaghtry sub-site, ASM saltmarsh vegetation is dominated by saltmarsh rush (Juncus gerardii) and sea milkwort (Glaux

maritima), with sea plantain (Plantago maritima), buck’s-horn plantain (P. coronopus), common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima), red fescue (Festuca rubra), thrift (Armeria maritima), sea arrowgrass (Triglochin maritimum), creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera), brookweed (Samolus valerandi) and sea arrowgrass (Triglochin maritimum). Species diversity in the ASM was typical of the habitat in the Aasleagh Falls sub-site. Turf fucoids, an indicator of local distinctiveness, were recorded at several locations in the ASM habitat; this is fairly typical of fringe type

saltmarshes along the west coast of Ireland. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Vegetation composition: negative indicator species - Spartina anglica

Hectares There is no record of common cordgrass (Spartina anglica) in the SAC and its establishment should be prevented

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1410

Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi)

To restore the favourable conservation condition of Mediterranean salt meadows

(Juncetalia maritimi) in Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC, which is defined by the

following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute

Measure

Target

Notes

processes including erosion and succession. For the sub-sites (Dooaghtry and Aasleagh Falls) and potential areas mapped: 3.36ha. See map 4

Based on data from the Saltmarsh Monitoring Project (SMP) (McCorry, 2007; McCorry and Ryle, 2009). Two sub-sites that support Mediterranean salt meadows (MSM) were mapped, Dooaghtry (SMP site ID: SMP0010) - 1.13ha and Aasleagh Falls (SMP site ID: SMP0106) - 2.2ha, and additional areas of potential MSM habitat (0.03ha) were identified from an examination of aerial photographs, giving a total estimated area of 3.36ha within

Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC. NB further unsurveyed areas may be present within the SAC. See the Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC conservation objectives supporting document for coastal habitats for further details

Occurrence No decline or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes. See map 4 for mapped and potential distribution

Based on data from McCorry (2007) and McCorry and Ryle (2009). In the Dooaghtry sub-site, MSM habitat is predominantly present in the southern section and is mainly located along the landward boundary. MSM dominates the saltmarsh in the Aasleagh Falls sub-site. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details. NB further unsurveyed areas may be present within the SAC Physical structure:

sediment supply

Maintain natural circulation of sediments and organic matter, without any physical obstructions

Physical structure: creeks and pans

Occurrence Maintain creek and pan structure, subject to natural processes including erosion and succession

Based on data from McCorry (2007) and McCorry and Ryle (2009). There are few creeks and pans within the MSM habitat in the Dooaghtry sub-site. The saltmarsh topography of the MSM in the Aasleagh Falls sub-site is also poorly developed, although there are some small creeks present in the most extensive area. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details Physical structure:

flooding regime

Hectares flooded; frequency

Maintain natural tidal regime

Based on data from McCorry (2007) and McCorry and Ryle (2009). Mediterranean salt meadow is found high up in the saltmarsh but requires occasional tidal inundation. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Based on data from McCorry (2007) and McCorry and Ryle (2009). In the Dooaghtry sub-site, the MSM is generally located at the back of the southern saltmarsh area and there are only narrow patches of transitional (brackish and freshwater marsh) habitats before the development of terrestrial habitats as the slope is relatively steep at the back of the saltmarsh. Shoreline zonation is relatively poorly developed in the MSM habitat in the Aasleagh Falls sub-site. There are natural transitions to other coastal habitats at both the lower and upper MSM boundaries. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Vegetation structure: vegetation height

Centimetres Maintain structural variation in the sward

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Vegetation structure: vegetation cover

Maintain more than 90% of the area outside of creeks vegetated

Maintain range of sub-communities with typical species listed in McCorry and Ryle (2009)

Based on data from McCorry (2007) and McCorry and Ryle (2009). In the MSM habitat in the southern section of the Dooaghtry sub-site, species diversity within the clumps of sea rush (Juncus maritimus) is relatively high. Other species that occur frequently amongst the sea rush include red fescue (Festuca rubra), thrift (Armeria maritima), autumn hawkbit (Leontodon autumnalis), sea plantain (Plantago maritima) and white clover (Trifolium repens). The MSM habitat in the Aasleagh Falls sub-site contained a typical species assemblage with the vegetation generally being dominated by sea rush and frequent creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera). Turf fucoids were also recorded in the MSM habitat. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Vegetation composition: negative indicator species - Spartina anglica

Hectares There is no record of common cordgrass (Spartina anglica) in the SAC and its establishment should be prevented

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2110

Embryonic shifting dunes

To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Embryonic shifting dunes in

Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes

and targets:

Attribute

Measure

Target

Notes

Based on data from the Sand Dunes Monitoring Project (SDM) (Delaney et al., 2013). Embryonic shifting dunes habitat was mapped at the sub-site Dooaghtry (SDM site ID: 108) to give a total estimated area of 0.53ha within

Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC The habitat is very difficult to measure in view of its dynamic nature. See the Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC conservation objectives supporting document for coastal habitats for further details

Occurrence No decline or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes. See map 5 for recorded distribution

Based on data from Delaney et al. (2013).

Embryonic shifting dunes were recorded in two small areas at Dooaghtry. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Physical structure: functionality and sediment supply

Based on data from Delaney et al. (2013). Dunes are naturally dynamic systems that require continuous supply and circulation of sand. Physical barriers can lead to fossilisation or over-stabilisation of dunes, as well as beach starvation, resulting in increased rates of erosion. Coastal defences are present close to the outflow of the Owenadornaun River, but these appear to be longstanding structures. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Based on data from Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Vegetation composition: plant health of foredune grasses

Percentage cover More than 95% of sand couch grass (Elytrigia juncea) and/or lyme-grass (Leymus arenarius) should be healthy (i.e. green plant parts above ground and flowering heads present)

Based on data from Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). All of the shoots of sand couch grass (Elytrigia juncea) were healthy in the habitat in the SAC at the time of the SDM survey. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Maintain the presence of species-poor communities with typical species: sand couch grass (Elytrigia juncea) and/or lyme-grass (Leymus arenarius)

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Conservation Objectives for : Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC [001932]

2120

Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes)

To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Shifting dunes along the shoreline

with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) in Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC, which

is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute

Measure

Target

Notes

Based on data from the Sand Dunes Monitoring Project (SDM) (Delaney et al., 2013). Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria was mapped at the sub-site Dooaghtry (SDM site ID: 108) to give a total estimated area of 12.43ha within Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC. The habitat is very difficult to measure in view of its dynamic nature. See the Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC conservation objectives supporting document for coastal habitats for further details

Based on data from Delaney et al. (2013). There is a wide band of marram (Ammophila arenaria) dunes along the western side of the dunes at Dooaghtry and for much of the sub-site the habitat fronts directly onto the beach. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Based on data from Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). Dunes are naturally dynamic systems that require continuous supply and circulation of sand. Marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) reproduces vegetatively and requires constant accretion of fresh sand to maintain active growth encouraging further accretion. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation

structure: zonation

Vegetation composition: plant health of dune grasses

Percentage cover More than 95% of marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) and/or lyme-grass (Leymus arenarius) should be healthy (i.e. green plant parts above ground and flowering heads present)

Maintain the presence of species-poor communities dominated by marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) and/or lyme-grass (Leymus arenarius)

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2150

Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea)

To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes

**(Calluno-Ulicetea)* in Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC, which is defined by the**

following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute

Measure

Target

Notes

processes including erosion and succession

Based on data from the Sand Dunes Monitoring Project (SDM) (Delaney et al., 2013). Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes habitat was not recorded by the SDM in the Dooaghtry sub-site. The current status of this habitat in Ireland is under review. See the Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC conservation objectives supporting document for coastal habitats for further details

Occurrence No decline or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes

The current distribution and status of the habitat in the SAC is unknown. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details Physical structure:

Physical barriers can lead to fossilisation or over-stabilisation of dunes, as well as beach starvation, resulting in increased rates of erosion. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Vegetation structure: bare ground

Percentage cover Bare ground should not exceed 10%, subject to natural processes

Based on data from Gaynor (2008), Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation

composition: sward height

composition: typical species and sub-communities

Maintain range of sub-communities with typical species listed in Delaney et al. (2013)

Based on data from Gaynor (2008), Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Based on data from Gaynor (2008), Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). Negative indicators include non-native species, species indicative of changes in nutrient status and species not considered characteristic of the habitat. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) should be absent or effectively controlled. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation

composition: scrub/trees

Percentage cover No more than 5% cover or under control

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Conservation Objectives for : Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC [001932]

2170

Dunes with Salix repens ssp. argentea (Salicion arenariae)

To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Dunes with Salix repens ssp.

argentea (Salicion arenariae) in Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC, which is defined

by the following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute

Measure

Target

Notes

processes including erosion and succession

Based on data from the Sand Dunes Monitoring Project (SDM) (Delaney et al., 2013). Dunes with Salix repens ssp. argentea (Salix arenariae) was not recorded by the SDM in the Dooaghtry sub-site. The current area and status of this habitat in the SAC is unknown. The habitat can be difficult to distinguish from 2190 Humid dune slacks. See the

Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC conservation objectives supporting document for coastal habitats for further details

Occurrence No decline or change in habitat distribution, subject to natural processes

The current distribution and status of the habitat in the SAC is unknown. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details Physical structure:

Vegetation structure: bare ground

Percentage cover Bare ground should not exceed 10% cover, subject to natural processes

structure: vegetation height

See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Vegetation composition: cover and height of Salix repens

Percentage cover; centimetres

Maintain more than 10% cover of creeping willow (Salix repens); vegetation height should be in the average range of 5-20cm

Based on data from Gaynor (2008), Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). Cover of creeping willow (Salix repens) needs to be maintained (e.g. through an appropriate grazing regime) to prevent the development of a coarse, rank vegetation cover. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Negative indicator species (including non-native species) to represent less than 5% cover

Based on data from Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). Negative indicators include non-native species, species indicative of changes in nutrient status and species not considered characteristic of the habitat. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) should be absent or effectively controlled. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Vegetation composition: scrub/trees

Percentage cover For trees and scrub other than creeping willow (Salix repens), there should be no more than 5% cover or their presence should be under control

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21A0

**Machairs (* in Ireland)**

**To restore the favourable conservation condition of Machairs (* in Ireland) in**

Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes

and targets:

Attribute

Measure

Target

Notes

processes including erosion and succession. For the sub-site mapped:

Dooaghtry - 137.01ha. See map 5

Based on data from the Sand Dunes Monitoring Project (SDM) (Delaney et al., 2013). Machair was recorded and mapped from the sub-site Dooaghtry (SDM site ID: 108) to give a total estimated area of 137.01ha within Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC. See the Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC conservation objectives supporting document for coastal habitats for further details

Based on data from Delaney et al. (2013). Machair is the most extensive coastal Annex I habitat at Dooaghtry. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Physical structure: hydrological and flooding regime

Water table levels; groundwater fluctuations (metres)

Maintain natural hydrological regime

Based on data from Crawford et al. (1998), Gaynor (2006), Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

Based on data from Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). In this SAC, machair grades into saltmarsh towards the tidal inlet and to different fen types as it approaches the open water of the lough at Carrickskeewaun. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation

structure: bare ground

Percentage cover Bare ground should not exceed 10% of the machair habitat, subject to natural processes

Vegetation structure: sward height

Based on data from Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). Rabbits, cattle and sheep graze the machair at Dooaghtry. See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details Vegetation

Based on data from Ryle et al. (2009) and Delaney et al. (2013). Typical machair species present include creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera), daisy (Bellis perennis), sand sedge (Carex arenaria), glaucous sedge (C. flacca), common mouse-ear (Cerastium fontanum), lady’s bedstraw (Galium verum), fairy flax (Linum catharticum), common bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), red bartsia (Odontites vernus), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) and white clover (Trifolium repens). See the coastal habitats supporting document for further details

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Vegetation composition: scrub/trees

Percentage cover No more than 5% cover or under control

Vegetation composition: bryophytes

Percentage cover Should always be at least an occasional component of the vegetation

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3110

Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains

(Littorelletalia uniflorae)

To maintain the favourable conservation condition of Oligotrophic waters containing very

few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) in Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex

SAC, which is defined by the following list of attributes and targets:

Attribute

Measure

Target

Notes

Habitat area Hectares Area stable or increasing, subject to natural processes

Lake habitat 3110 is considered likely to occur in most lakes in Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC, from upland corrie lakes such as Loughs

Glenawough, Lugacolliwee and Bellawaum (where it may co-occur with habitat 3160) to lowland lakes such as Doo, Glencullin and Tawnyard Loughs. It may also co-occur with habitat 3160 in lakes in blanket bog, and with habitat 3130 in Lough Nahaltora and Fin Lough. In line with Article 17 reporting (NPWS, 2013), all lakes larger than 1ha were mapped as potential 3110 (see map 6). It is likely, however, that the habitat also occurs in smaller lakes and ponds. Two measures of extent should be used: 1. the area of the lake itself and; 2. the extent of the vegetation communities/zones that typify the habitat. Further information relating to all attributes is provided in the lake habitats supporting document for the purposes of site-specific

conservation objectives and Article 17 reporting (O Connor, 2015)

Occurrence No decline, subject to natural processes

As noted above, all lakes larger than 1ha have been mapped as potential 3110, but the habitat is likely to be even more widespread in the SAC (see map 6) Typical species Occurrence Typical species present, in

good condition, and demonstrating typical abundances and distribution

For lists of typical plant species, see the Article 17 habitat assessment for 3110 (NPWS, 2013) and the lake habitats supporting document (O Connor, 2015). See the Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex SAC conservation objectives supporting document for Najas flexilis for information on Lough Nahaltora in the SAC. Information on Fin Lough can be found in Roden and Murphy (2014). Glencullin and Doo Loughs are Water Framework Directive (WFD) monitoring lakes and regular macrophyte surveys are conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Vegetation composition: characteristic zonation

Occurrence All characteristic zones should be present, correctly distributed and in good condition

Further work is necessary to describe the

characteristic zonation and other spatial patterns in lake habitat 3110 (see O Connor, 2015). Lake-specific information on vegetation zonation may be available from sources such as Roden (2004, 2007 in NPWS, 2007), Roden and Murphy (2014), EPA surveys and others

Vegetation distribution: maximum depth

Metres Maintain maximum depth of vegetation, subject to natural processes